TRAVEL | Reisen
Flying with Babies Flying with babies can be a very daunting undertaking, but with the right preparation it won’t be as bad as it may seem. Here are a few tips from Mom’s who’ve been there.
BEFORE THE FLIGHT GENERAL TIPS Try to book a flight that corresponds with your baby’s sleep schedule (bedtime should ideally be about 1 hour after take-off). PACK YOUR DIAPER BAG WITH: ►► Sufficient diapers ►► Bottles (milk is allowed to bring through TSA control or bring dry formula to mix with bottled water) ►► A small extra bag with just diapers, a changing mat and wipes to keep in the seat pocket in front of you ►► Change of clothes for baby AND for you (at least a top) ►► Baby food (check with airlines, Lufthansa for example always has food jars on board)
BULKHEAD SEATS AND BASSINETS Most international long-haul flights offer baby bassinets in the bulkhead aisles. Some airlines allow pre-booking of those seats, but in most cases you will have to contact the airline 24-48 hours before the flight to request them. Usually younger babies have priority over older ones. The bassinets are ideal for babies 0 – 9 months. Note: US domestic flights usually do not offer bassinets. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS ►► Check airline policy regarding bassinets (age, weight limits) ►► Reserve bulkhead and bassinet according to airline policy DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ►► Book aisle and window seat - if flight is not full, airlines will block the middle seat when they see a baby in your booking. In case the flight is full you can always switch seats with the person in the middle seat.
AT THE AIRPORT Some airlines let you skip the line or allow you to use priority check in when you travel with babies. In Germany Lufthansa has separate check in lines for families at most airports.. After check in, it’s time to get through security. The same applies here – often families with very small children can use the priority line. A FEW MORE TIPS NAVIGATING AT THE AIRPORT: ►► Wear shoes you can just slip on or off. ►► Practice folding your stroller or instruct someone else around you. ►► Bring the stroller with you to the gate for gate check-in. ►► Take your baby carrier with you to have your hands free. ►► Although airlines allow families to board early, we recommend to board last if you have very mobile kids (you are stuck in that small space long enough). ►► Do one last diaper change before boarding.
22 | HEIMAT abroad | SUMMER 2018
